ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands — The University of Wisconsin women's basketball team competed against VCU in its final game of the 2022 U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam women's basketball tournament in St. Thomas on Saturday, where it fell 75-67.
Julie Pospisilova used her four years of collegiate experience to her advantage, as she led the young Badger squad with 27 points (9-14 FG, 5-8 3FG). She was the only senior to play for the Badgers against VCU, and one of only three upperclassmen to touch the floor. She surpassed her previous season-high of 17 points while tying her career-high of five 3-pointers.
UW freshman earned a lot of playing time against the Rams with its short bench. Ronnie Porter started in place of Avery LaBarbera and finished the game off with five points and four rebounds over 34 minutes. She was accompanied by fellow freshman Sania Copeland who played for 23 minutes, as well as Savannah White, Lily Krahn and Mary Ferrito.
Wisconsin started off the game red-hot and was able to generate consistent offense throughout the first quarter. Pospisilova recorded 11 points (3-5 FG, 3-4 3FG) and three triples in the first 10 minutes of the contest. Porter also stepped up her game in her first-career start, scoring a 3-pointer and reeling in two rebounds in quarter one. The 5-foot-4 guard did not let her size keep her from playing aggressively, as she was diving for loose balls and forcing turnovers all game long. The Badgers entered the second quarter up 21-10, but were unable to score efficiently, and went into the half down 36-33.
In the second half, the Badgers were unable to produce the same amount of offense that they created early on in the matchup. Maty Wilke tried to keep Wisconsin in the game by dropping a pair three-pointers, but the team's lack of depth became apparent as their scoring woes continued.
Wisconsin shot 45.3% (24-53) from the field, including 43.5% (10-23) from 3-point range.
VCU was paced by Sarah Te-Biasu, scored 23 points (8-19 FG) for the Rams and added five steals.
Notes to know
Up next
Wisconsin heads home to play Florida State in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge on Thursday, Dec. 1. The game will be played in the Kohl Center and can be streamed on BTN+ at 6:30 p.m.
